People from all over the world come to Kalkan

Situated on the sunny Mediterranean, Kalkan, Turkey is the perfect base from which to explore other historic destinations in the nearby area. From the world-renowned beach at Patara to the ruins at Tlos, there is plenty to keep you entertained in the nearby area. Here are three of the best day trips that you can take from Kalkan, Turkey:

Patara Beach

People from all over the world come to Kalkan, Turkey to visit the beautiful Patara Beach. The secluded beach is ideal for those that want to get away from the hustle and bustle of city life and simply relax and unwind in the calm surroundings. The azure waters are the perfect temperature for taking a dip, although be careful to watch out for the loggerhead turtles that make their home in this national park. The beach is closed after sunset to give the turtles peace in which to lay their eggs, so make sure you get there early. Although Patara is the second most important turtle nesting beach in Turkey, its slightly more unusual claim to fame is the fact that it is the original home of St. Nicholas, better known as Santa Claus.

Tlos Ruins

Tlos is located a short drive away from Kalkan, Turkey and was considered to be one of the most important religious centres during the Lycian period. It was home to the winged horse, Pegasus and the mythological hero, Bellerophon. Tlos dates back to 2000 BC and wandering around the remains you’ll see a spectacular amphitheatre and remains of an old Ottoman Castle. However, the rock tombs are considered to be the region’s best preserved remains. The largest tomb is dedicated to Bellerophon, the greatest hero and slayer of monsters. Greek mythology tells how Bellerophon slayed the Chimera, a monster with a lion’s head, a goat’s body and a serpent’s tail. You can visit the eternal fires of the Chimera in Kalkan, Turkey and see the very place where the myth of the Chimera started.

Kastellorizo

Be the envy of all your friends and spend one day in Kalkan Greek-island hopping. The tiny island of Kastellorizo, or Meis, is Greece’s easternmost island and can easily be visited on a boat-trip from Kalkan, Turkey. The small island has a population of just over 200, but this doesn’t stop it being serviced by Olympic Airways. The harbour area has a charming collection of waterfront shops and restaurants and we recommend stopping for a traditional Greek meal. As you can well imagine, seafood is very much the menu du jour.

The Castle of the Knights offers stunning views out across the Mediterranean to the Turkish town of Kas, and its well worth the short climb that the view entails. Before you head back to Kalkan, you may want to stop off at the duty-free store, where alcohol and perfume is much cheaper than on the mainland.

Nick Wrightman is the founder and M.D. of The Tapestry Collection, specialist holiday tour operators who can arrange a stay in Kalkan Turkey as well as packages for Crete, Kefalonia and Morocco. The Tapestry Collection includes boutique hotels, villas, exclusive apartments, gulet holidays and riads in a selection of delightful resorts.